"I have to get back to work and giving you anything more is not in the deal," she said patting her pocket where the bulge of money rested.
He conceded and allowed her to leave which she did quickly. Getting back behind the booth, she shrieked as she saw Cleo standing by the bin of clothes. "What the hell are you doing here?" she exclaimed.
"Working. Are you okay?"
Nervously she looked at the female bathroom door and pulled Cleo deeper into the back. "I'm okay. I was just a little queasy."
"Well, he's fine and his daddy miraculously came down to the hospital and said he would let me go while he watched the boy. He's got a temperature, but his daddy said he'd stay with him." She looked very grateful. "Thanks for saving my ass with Marv."
"How'd you know I didn't tell?"
"Cause you are here and not him. He'd gladly tell me to get the fuck out."
They walked back up to the front by the glass and both gasped at the figure.
"I must have left the door unlock," Cleo surmised. "Isn't that the guy who gave you trouble last time? Want me to handle him?"
His back was too them, and he was puffing on another cigarette slowly this time and she knew why smiling. "No, I can handle him." Going to the glass, she slid back in the seat adjusting the to wad in her pocket.
He turned his smoky green eyes assessing her generously. His voice was strangely low, but wasn't a whisper. "When do you get off?" His hat was back on his head, but turned the opposite way giving him a boyish look.
"That doesn't concern you."
"It does with my money in your pocket."
"Thirty minutes," she mumbled not at all liking the cool exterior he now exhibited.
He walked out without another word.
Cleo hadn't heard any of the conversation, but she still said, "He wasn't that hard to please."
"If you only knew," she mumbled under her breath still feeling the strange soreness in her jaw and the tiredness in her lips. They had definitely been through a workout.
Nicole had too much on her mind about this time to even comment on Cleo or feel any pity for Cleo's son. "I got some food in the back. I'm going to go. I hope your son feels better."
"Me too and thanks kid."